It’s day three of EGM’s top 25 games of 2012, and we’re just one day away from our top ten titles for 2012. That doesn’t mean entries #15 through #11 are slouches, however—all five of these games won our hearts and our hands as we put countless hours into them. Not a one of them wouldn’t be worth your time—nor a slot this high on our list.

EGM’s Top 25: #15 ~ #11

#15: Darksiders II

The first Darksiders game didn’t get nearly the respect it deserved. Perhaps it was because gamers were expecting God of War and got a game that more resembled the Legend of Zelda. The sequel continues this tradition, actually expanding on the RPG elements, and it is a better game in every way. Death is a more fun character to play, and the realms he explores feel more dynamic and alive. And while it sold more units than the original, it still didn’t exactly fly off store shelves. That’s a shame, because this series deserves to be played. Anyone interested in a top quality action/RPG should give it a chance. You won’t be sorry. – Marc Camron

#14: Dust: An Elysian Tail

Dust is precisely what more developers need to be doing on XBLA, PSN, and Steam. Forget realistic graphics—that’s expected. But provide something new, something that stands out from the crowd, and you’ll instantly impress. That is what makes Dust so special. Amidst a sea of shooters sporting bleak earth tones, Dust’s visuals are vibrant, distinct, and timeless. But beyond being beautiful, Dust is pure fun. Imagine your favorite animated series made interactive, possessing plenty of exploration along with combat that has just the right amount of complexity to offer a varied, engaging experience to each gamer. That’s Dust. – Chris Holzworth

#13: Gravity Rush

One game alone is not enough reason to buy a new piece of gaming hardware—but if it were, then Gravity Rush would be the game everyone should own a Vita for. The adventures of a young girl named Kat who can control and manipulate gravity were stunning and magical from beginning to end, providing an experience that felt unlike anything else we were offered over the course of the year. Gravity Rush also proved to any unbelievers of mobile platforms that games epic in size and scope can play out on any screen—no matter how big or small. —Eric L. Patterson

#12: New Super Mario Bros. U

Publisher: NintendoDeveloper: NintendoPlatforms: Wii U

Many of us in the EGM offices were a tad skeptical of the Wii U’s potential to bring players together. How much could an HD Mario game really add to the experience, after all? As it turns out, a lot. The crystal-clear visuals noticeably enhanced the action we’ve played through for 25-plus years—and on the GamePad, we could even Goomba-stomp while watching our favorite TV shows. The console’s future prospects certainly remain unclear, but one thing’s clear: Nintendo still knows how to put the world’s most famous Italian plumber through his 2D side-scrolling paces. —Andrew Fitch

#11: Persona 4 Golden

Publisher: AtlusDeveloper: AtlusPlatforms: PS Vita

Sure, it can be a little questionable to include enhanced remakes on year-end lists—particularly when the original game released four years ago—but in the case of Persona 4 Golden, there was absolutely no debate as to whether it belonged here. After all, by the time Persona 4 came out, the PS2 was the equivalent of a nonagenarian among the hyped PS3, 360, and Wii, so many players missed out. What’s more, Golden’s myriad new scenarios, sections, and characters make it feel like a whole new experience for returnees. If you call yourself a Japanese RPG fan—or a role-playing fan, period—you need to play this. —Andrew Fitch

It's the end of the year, and that means one thing: end of the year awards! Up today is the third part of our look at the top 25 games of 2012, with entries #15 through #11.

It’s day three of EGM’s top 25 games of 2012, and we’re just one day away from our top ten titles for 2012. That doesn’t mean entries #15 through #11 are slouches, however—all five of these games won our hearts and our hands as we put countless hours into them. Not a one of them wouldn’t be worth your time—nor a slot this high on our list.

EGM’s Top 25: #15 ~ #11

#15: Darksiders II

The first Darksiders game didn’t get nearly the respect it deserved. Perhaps it was because gamers were expecting God of War and got a game that more resembled the Legend of Zelda. The sequel continues this tradition, actually expanding on the RPG elements, and it is a better game in every way. Death is a more fun character to play, and the realms he explores feel more dynamic and alive. And while it sold more units than the original, it still didn’t exactly fly off store shelves. That’s a shame, because this series deserves to be played. Anyone interested in a top quality action/RPG should give it a chance. You won’t be sorry. – Marc Camron

#14: Dust: An Elysian Tail

Dust is precisely what more developers need to be doing on XBLA, PSN, and Steam. Forget realistic graphics—that’s expected. But provide something new, something that stands out from the crowd, and you’ll instantly impress. That is what makes Dust so special. Amidst a sea of shooters sporting bleak earth tones, Dust’s visuals are vibrant, distinct, and timeless. But beyond being beautiful, Dust is pure fun. Imagine your favorite animated series made interactive, possessing plenty of exploration along with combat that has just the right amount of complexity to offer a varied, engaging experience to each gamer. That’s Dust. – Chris Holzworth

#13: Gravity Rush

One game alone is not enough reason to buy a new piece of gaming hardware—but if it were, then Gravity Rush would be the game everyone should own a Vita for. The adventures of a young girl named Kat who can control and manipulate gravity were stunning and magical from beginning to end, providing an experience that felt unlike anything else we were offered over the course of the year. Gravity Rush also proved to any unbelievers of mobile platforms that games epic in size and scope can play out on any screen—no matter how big or small. —Eric L. Patterson

#12: New Super Mario Bros. U

Publisher: NintendoDeveloper: NintendoPlatforms: Wii U

Many of us in the EGM offices were a tad skeptical of the Wii U’s potential to bring players together. How much could an HD Mario game really add to the experience, after all? As it turns out, a lot. The crystal-clear visuals noticeably enhanced the action we’ve played through for 25-plus years—and on the GamePad, we could even Goomba-stomp while watching our favorite TV shows. The console’s future prospects certainly remain unclear, but one thing’s clear: Nintendo still knows how to put the world’s most famous Italian plumber through his 2D side-scrolling paces. —Andrew Fitch

#11: Persona 4 Golden

Publisher: AtlusDeveloper: AtlusPlatforms: PS Vita

Sure, it can be a little questionable to include enhanced remakes on year-end lists—particularly when the original game released four years ago—but in the case of Persona 4 Golden, there was absolutely no debate as to whether it belonged here. After all, by the time Persona 4 came out, the PS2 was the equivalent of a nonagenarian among the hyped PS3, 360, and Wii, so many players missed out. What’s more, Golden’s myriad new scenarios, sections, and characters make it feel like a whole new experience for returnees. If you call yourself a Japanese RPG fan—or a role-playing fan, period—you need to play this. —Andrew Fitch